TALKING RANGERS

IT was the moment that changed the match, but it shouldn’t have been the one where the game was lost. The decision was inexplicable, yet the reaction from Rangers wasn’t strong enough. The feelings of disappointment should overpower those of injustice.

By the time John Beaton blew his whistle for the last time at Ibrox, the anger and the frustration had already reached a crescendo and the referee was at the epicentre.

When the storm dies down, there is more for Pedro Caixinha and his players to analyse, though. It went wrong, but it wasn’t all down to the man in the middle.

It had all started so well for Rangers. Ahead after three minutes through Alfredo Morelos, the path to victory was clear for the Light Blues as they looked to take another important step forward.

The momentum was lost, as was Ryan Jack. Soon, so was the match.

A couple of chances went unconverted for the Gers and when Hibs equalised the tide had turned.

It was a fine finish that summed up an impressive performance from Simon Murray, but Caixinha will surely lament the ease with which the striker breached Rangers’ defensive line.

The same could be said for the slack play that led to the ball being deflected off James Tavernier and into the net for the second goal, and the nonexistent marking that allowed Vykintas Slivka to superbly pick his spot and strike the final blow to Rangers’ chances.

By that stage, it was Neil Lennon’s side who were dominant in possession and had victory in their sights. The former Celtic boss, and his players, savoured the occasion.

Lennon riled supporters in the Main Stand, and Caixinha and the Gers bench, with his over-the-top celebrations after the opening goal but there was no repeat of the gesturing or ear-cupping in the aftermath of the second or third.

Lennon had made his point and soon his team had deservedly earned all three.

A late header from Tavernier gave Caixinha’s side a chance to rescue a draw but for most of the second half it never looked like Rangers would take any-